When the C4 Aircross does make it to the UK, the range will be short and higher specced than competitors such as the Ford Kuga, with prices expected to start at around £22,000.

The Aircross made its global debut alongside the all-new Berlingo Multispace the facelifted C1 that was launched in Brussels in January, limited editions of the DS3, DS4 and DS5 and two new concepts - the DS4 Racing and C3 Red Block, both targeted at driving enthusiasts.

Neither the Ds4 racing nor C3 Red Block have been confirmed for sale in the UK, and whether the DS4 racing will be built at all has yet to be decided (there's still no interior).

Sources are optimistic, however, following the success of DS3 racing. 200 of the cars were made for the UK and the order book is now closed after less than a year.

What links the new and emerging range is a move towards a more premium positioning, according to Citroen. A spokesman said: 'Everything from the updated c1 to the DS4 Racing Concept is moving the whole brand upmarket.

The c4 Aircross has moved the SUV segment on and with the c1 we're competing with the VW up, etc; with the DS5, we're targeting BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 buyers.'